Our Mission

Eesa is built on the belief that food connects us. A good loaf or pastry can carry memory, anchor community, and bring a sense of belonging. That is what we hope to share with you—bread and beverage made with care, meant to be enjoyed together with the people you love.

Co-Founders

Karen Huang - Bakery Lead

Karen grew up in New England but much of her inspiration for the bakery comes from her time in San Francisco. Its sourdough and pastries were more than food - they were a daily ritual. She wants to bring that same sense of craft and nourishment to Wausau.

Her background is in science—years in microbiology labs and clinical research taught her patience, precision, and curiosity. Baking became a natural extension of that discipline, a practice where careful technique meets intuition. Over time, study and countless hours at the bench transformed into Eesa Bakery.

Andrew Huang - Cafe Lead

Andrew was born in upstate New York and raised in southern California but his inspiration for the cafe comes from the coffee and tea houses of London, San Francisco, and Chicago. He hopes to bring the energy, the creativity, and the emphasis on hospitality..

His background in both music and science - if he’s not serving drinks, he’ll be playing music on the weekends. Outside of the bakery he works as a radiation oncologist and leads the cancer research program here in Wausau.

Kendra Chase and Erik Aanensen

Owners of the artisan bread business Luna Bread in Massachusetts, Kendra and Erik studied at the San Francisco Baking Institute and moved here to Wausau to help launch Eesa. Baking is a family affair as Erik and Karen are siblings.

  • Construction is slated to complete in the beginning of 2026 and we hope to have our soft opening shortly after.

  • Parking is available on Second Street as well as one of the two parking garages across the street in the mall redevelopment.

  • We strive to primarily use local ingredients. Past and current sources include Meadowlark Farm and Mill and Nordic Creamery.